Exactly one month from now, the area’s largest and most popular race will celebrate its 35th year. The signature event of the Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club, the Dutchess County Classic may just now be entering into the mindset of local runners planning their autumn road race schedules.

The Classic, which features a half-marathon (13.1 miles), a 5K (3.1 miles) and a 1-mile kids’ run that is free of charge for children 12 and under, will be held on Sunday, Sept. 15 from Arlington High School in Freedom Plains. Runners are starting to get around to registering for the race — MHRRC president and Classic co-director Keith Axelrod said entries are ahead of record pace with a month to go.

But rest assured, the MHRRC has been busy making plans for the special anniversary Classic for a lot more than one month in advance. “We have had several planning sessions already,’’ Axelrod said. “Several new positions that are vital to the race have been filled this year.’’

Among the new volunteer posts that have been filled: Audra Gerty, director of volunteers; Sue O’Neil, finish line organizer for the 5K and half-marathon ; Lori Decker, director of kids’ one-mile race; Mark Mohan and Pete Sanfilippo, directors of traffic control; Michelle Pantaleo, Health and Wellness Expo coordinator; United Way, organizers of the walking event at the track.

Every volunteer position is important for the smooth running of a race that is hoping to top 1,500 entrants. However, from a runner’s perspective, no two aspects are more vital than traffic control and water stops. Axelrod said the MHRRC has announced an added incentive to get more folks helping out with traffic on the course.

Each volunteer that lends a hand with traffic control will receive a free movie pass to Regal Cinemas. Axelrod said the job usually entails standing on busy intersection along the course, with a vest and flag in hand, directing runners and cars and keeping both safe and out of harm’s way.

“Each year,’’ Axelrod said, “we spend so much time trying to fill the most vital function out on the course to keep our runners safe, and this year, I decided to help encourage people to sign up for the job.’’

Axelrod added that all the water stops along the course will be manned by local high school cross country and track team athletes and coaches, a tradition that dates back more than 20 years. “It is a greatly appreciated support system for the Classic,’’ he said.

For the second year in a row, the Classic will be held from Arlington High School. The race was moved from the Town of Wappinger Recreation Area at Robinson Lane last year, mostly to accommodate the parking needs of more than 1,000 entrants in all events. In addition, the MHRRC is able to utilize space both inside and outside the expansive Arlington campus, for registration and pre- and post-race activities.

This includes a Health and Wellness Expo to coincide with the race on Sunday. Behind the school building, vendors and the food tent will be staged. In addition, the non-competitive walking event will be held at the school’s track. Other changes and additions for 2013:

» There will be chip timing for the kids’ race, in anticipation of large numbers of 12-and-under participants.

» The United Way of Dutchess and Orange counties will be taking on a more active role in the race, Axelrod said. In addition, Premier Cares Foundation, a charity that assists local individuals and families coping with colon and prostate cancer, has hopped on board in support of the race.

» Axelrod said the United Way will be announcing the free kids’ one-mile race by including about 10,000 backpack informational handouts in the schools once they open just prior to race day. “We are hoping for an even bigger turnout to help win the fight against childhood obesity,’’ he said.

» Perhaps the most noticeable change from 2012 to 2013 will be the increased security and awareness in the wake of the terrorist attack at the Boston Marathon in April. Since the Classic is by far the largest event of its kind in the county and the region, Axelrod said security concerns have been talked about at every planning meeting.

“We are very fortunate to have The LaGrange Fire District working alongside The New York State Police as well as Dutchess County Sheriff's and East Fishkill Police,’’ he said. “The LaGrange Fire Department organized an Emergency Response Plan with an 80-page manual that would have had the capability of responding to a situation similar to what happened in Boston. I didn’t think in those terms at the time of the race last year, but it became evident of the importance of what they coordinated along with the police personnel and resources provided after seeing the Boston tragedy.’’